The majority of staff (71%) believe their employers are genuinely concerned with their mental health, confirmed a new US employee wellness survey.
Additionally, more 78% of employees say they now feel empowered to let someone at their company know if they aren’t feeling physically or mentally well; up from 40% in 2020, according to the research, carried out by TELUS International, a global customer experience and digital solutions provider. These survey results indicate that employers have changed their approach toward supporting mental health in the workplace, compared to those reported in October 2020. The research suggests companies have heeded employees’ calls and are better supporting mental health needs, as fewer employees today say they would quit their job for another that better prioritised its employees’ mental health (57% in 2021 compared 80% in 2020).
“In this age of technology and social connection we are all experiencing the significant impact of the global pandemic in real time around the clock, as well as on a sustained basis as we collectively navigate this fourth wave. These factors have served to amplify the stressors and emotional tolls the pandemic has brought as well as the disruptions to our routines and day-to-day experiences, including how and where we work,” stated Marilyn Tyfting, Chief Corporate Officer of TELUS International.
The result has been a “much needed shift in the past year from a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’ attitude to a ‘do ask, do tell and let’s talk’ mindset that has transformed the way society perceives and discusses mental health; both more generally and in the context of the workplace”,Tyfting added. “Employees need, and are increasingly asking for, resources to help them cope with mental health challenges, and companies are responding by enhancing the breadth and scope of programmes and services they provide; as well as making them more accessible.”
INSIGHTS ON WORK-LIFE FLEXIBILITY
The majority of employees continue to believe it is important (88% in 2021 and 97% in 2020) that a company prioritises its employees’ mental health, and survey results indicate that employees believe companies are doing more to meet their mental health needs. Around 86% also believe that having more flexibility in their working hours would positively impact their mental health. When asked if their employer is allowing enough flexibility in their schedules to maintain physical and mental health, 67% answered yes, compared to 55% in 2020.
The survey also revealed a rising trend in dedicated mental health days to combat pandemic burnout, with 68% of survey respondents saying their employer has provided extra paid time off since working from home. The results indicate that companies are acknowledging the need to prioritise mental health by offering a reprieve from the everyday challenges of working during the pandemic. Additionally, only 25% of respondents said they had not taken a mental health day, compared to 53% in 2020.
RETURN TO OFFICE
That said, being back in the office, or just the idea of returning, is increasing stress for 53% of workers who cited top reasons as commute time (70%); potential Covid-19 transmission (68%); and that they feel safer working from home (52%). When asked how employers could help ease a return to the office and relieve stress, the top three reommendations cited by staff included:
- Offering flexible work schedules (57%).
- Providing enhanced office cleaning/implement physical distancing protocols (57%).
- Issuing a vaccine or testing mandate (49%).
When asked about the most helpful mental health and wellness resource that their employer provides or could provide, 39% employees cited access to a therapist, psychologist or counselling/virtual workshops about health and wellness; yoga and meditation classes (29%); mental health or personal days off (19%); and a self-directed health and wellness spending allowance (10%). Responses for ‘other’ (3%) included third-party meditation apps, ‘all of the above’ and ‘going outside’.
PRIORITISING EMPLOYEE HEALTH
“Employers need to understand that their employees today are not the same people who left their offices in March 2020, and that now is not the time to pump the brakes on mental health initiatives. Prioritising employee health, safety and wellbeing will continue to be of paramount importance not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it leads to improved company performance. In today’s challenging labour market, offering remote work and flexible schedules can be an effective strategy for employers to rise above the competition in accessing top talent,” highlighted Tyfting.
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